84 300SD weak ignition switch

I have an 84 300 SD with 279,000 miles. My wife has a key ring on the ignition key. After 28 years the weight has caused the ignition switch return spring to weaken to the point with just the key in the ignition alone it won't return to the II spot. My question is, is that spring that returns the switch to the run position in the key part of the lock itself or the is it part of the larger locking mechanism?

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